La Crocifissione

A tradition dating back to 1957

La Crocifissione in Cesinali is one of the longest-running events in the province of Avellino. The first edition took place in 1957: since then, every Good Friday, this small Irpinian town has staged the Passion of Christ, turning its square and streets into an open-air theater. It is considered the oldest living Passion play in Irpinia and attracts thousands of spectators every year—not just locals—who participate in the performance both physically and emotionally.

The text by Carmine Fernando Venezia

The performance is based entirely on «Angoscia d'anime», a work by local poet and playwright Carmine Fernando Venezia, who personally directed the production until 2004 with the experimental theater group «Eleonora Duse», which he founded. The text recounts the pain and torment of the final days of Jesus' life, using a theatrical style that has given the event a distinct identity, far removed from a simple procession.

Following the author's passing, some of his students formed the «CFV» Dramatic Art Group in 2010, which has since preserved and renewed the master's legacy, revising the script annually and integrating it with new texts inspired by contemporary issues.

How the performance unfolds

The evening begins with a procession re-enacting Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem; the narrative then continues in Piazza Municipio and concludes in the Cesinali countryside, where the Calvary is set up. The scenes that make up the performance are the classic ones from the Gospel account:

• The Last Supper;
• The agony in the Garden of Olives;
• The trial before the Sanhedrin;
• The judgment of Pontius Pilate;
• The mockery of Herod;
• The Via Crucis along the town streets;
• The crucifixion, the final act, set outside the town center.

An entire town on stage

Every year, hundreds of actors and extras—local children, youth, and adults—take on the roles of the Passion's characters. The sets and costumes are crafted by the group's designers, while the music is composed specifically for the show: the soundtracks of recent editions were produced by the Irpinian producers «Golfers». The result is a choral theatrical machine, built over months of rehearsals, where the community is both the protagonist and the audience.

Organizers

The event is organized by the «CFV» Dramatic Art Group in collaboration with the Municipality of Cesinali, the Pro Loco of Cesinali, and the Parish of San Silvestro Papa, under the patronage of the Province of Avellino. Admission is free, as per tradition.

Cesinali and Irpinian traditions

Cesinali is a small town in the province of Avellino, in Campania, just outside the regional capital. Its festive calendar is particularly rich: in January, Saint Anthony Abbot with the blessing of animals; in February, the «Zeza» Carnival with Pulcinella and his family; on Holy Saturday, the «Rosamarina» with the distribution of pine branches adorned with citrus fruits; in August, the celebrations for Saint Roch and the «Arte e Portoni» exhibition; and on December 31st, the feast of the patron saint, Saint Silvester. However, La Crocifissione remains the quintessential identity-defining event, bringing even those who live far away back to town.

When to go

The event always falls on Good Friday, occurring between late March and the second half of April depending on the year, starting in the evening. It is advisable to arrive well in advance: the square fills up quickly, and the audience follows the performance on foot, moving along with the procession.